Melbourne: Joining the list of Australian leaders visiting India to reassure students about their safety and quality education here, senior Victorian Minister Bronwyn Pyke is expected to be the next in the line this year to visit New Delhi.
"I am currently working out on my visit to India that could happen this year. Melbourne remains a safe destination to study and offers high class educational courses. We are
very welcoming community and we love international students," Education and International Student Minister Pyke told a news agency.
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of launch of an international guide for overseas students' titled - 'The Insider', which will be distributed free among them.
Australia's multi-million dollar international student industry has experienced a huge decline following the attacks on overseas students mainly Indians. Over 100 Indian students were attacked last year in Australia.
The new initiative was launched with the help of Federation of Indian Association of Victoria, who approached local authorities to distribute the guide to Indian students
at the airport-based Welcome desk that was established by the state government for its International students, its president Vasan Srinivasan said.
The book lists many relevant information like where to
pick up a cab to where to eat or where to call when in need of
a help.
Vasan said it was interesting to note that the booklet
was written by a local for international students to help them
mingle as a part of the society after series of violent
attacks indicated that there was a serious need to make these
pupils socially integrate in the local society.
The guide is the first of its kind in Australia and
include helpful tips like how to avoid getting in trouble with
your landlord, festival tips, where to find a great coffee or
just how to work your way around the public transport system.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 14:22